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'Concerned Patrons of District 55' file recall petition paperwork

Two start-up recall petitions were submitted to the Bingham County Clerk’s office late Monday.

The petitions ask that Blackfoot School District trustees Jenny Hong and Scott Reese be recalled. Hong represents Zone 2; Reese represents Zone 3.
Both start-up petitions that were submitted each have more than the 20 signatures on them, required to begin recall petitions, said Marlene Jensen, the County Clerk’s Election Director. Twenty signatures are required to submit a start-up recall petition. The signatures on both petitions have been verified by the County Clerk's office.

Since the start-up recall petitions are complete, the group that heads the recall now has 75 days to gather the required signatures for the regular recall petitions.
To be on the school trustee ballot in May, the signatures need to be collected as sson as possible, said Jensen.
Signatures of 50 percent of the number of those who voted in the trustee's last election must be collected to continue this recall. All signatories must live within the zone the trustee represents.

The recall petition for Scott Reese must garner 65 votes from electors in Zone 3. Areas around Stalker and Ridge Crests Elementary Schools are in Zone 3.

Half of the votes in Zone 2 (Jenny Hong’s zone) requires 212 signatories on her recall petition. Zone 2 is the area around Stoddard Elementary.

Asked why the recall petitions have been started, Richard Bigler, one of the organizers, said, “It is the past decisions of the board and its attempt to conceal [former Superintendent Scott] Crane’s separation agreement.

“These put a cloud over the community," he said. "Their actions have jeopardized passage of the supplemental levy. The levy really does benefit our students and teachers.

Bigler cited two reasons for forming this group:

· To recall Scott Reese and Jenny Hong.

· To seek out qualified candidates for the May trustee election.

The group has a Facebook page, called, “Concerned Citizens of District 55.”

“We want input from individuals,” said Bigler. “We want to have guidance and hear the concern of citizens.

“We will also be providing information on the webpage for citizens,” he said. “It’s important they know.

“This is what’s democracy is about,” said Bigler. “We are using our democratic rights to promote positive change.”